Breaking the Silence: Former UK Special Forces Reveal Allegations of War Crimes

[Social Media]

 

In an unprecedented move, former members of the United Kingdom's elite Special Forces have publicly come forward to describe harrowing accounts of alleged war crimes committed by their colleagues in Iraq and Afghanistan. Speaking to BBC Panorama, these veterans recounted chilling experiences that paint a deeply troubling picture of routine extrajudicial killings carried out under the cover of darkness and silence.

 

 

One former SAS operative recalled a particularly disturbing event in Afghanistan: "They handcuffed a young boy and shot him. He was clearly a child, not even close to fighting age." According to this veteran, the killing of detainees had become disturbingly commonplace. “They'd search someone, handcuff them, then shoot them,” he said. Afterwards, operatives would remove the plastic handcuffs and stage the scene by “planting a pistol” on the body to justify the shooting.

NEW UPDATE: #SASInquiry

A veteran who served with the SBS said….

"I saw the quietest guys switch, show serious psychopathic traits," he said. "They were lawless. They felt untouchable."https://t.co/e8LMcXU7my https://t.co/CXdd3RILtu pic.twitter.com/UjhvCZDkPX

— Khalil Dewan (@KhalilDewan) May 12, 2025

 

These testimonies, now emerging more than a decade after the alleged crimes took place, extend far beyond the timeframe of the three years currently under investigation by a UK public inquiry. For the first time, the Special Boat Service (SBS), the Royal Navy's elite regiment, is also implicated in similar allegations, including the execution of unarmed and wounded individuals. A former SBS member described some troops as having developed a “mob mentality,” and described their actions as “barbaric.” He added, “I saw the quietest guys switch, show serious psychopathic traits.

They were lawless. They felt untouchable.”

 

 

Deployed to safeguard British forces from Taliban threats, these units operated in deadly environments where 457 UK troops lost their lives and thousands more were injured. Yet, within these war zones, the former special forces members claim rules were routinely ignored. “If a target had popped up on the list two or three times before, then we'd go in with the intention of killing them, there was no attempt to capture them,” said one SAS veteran. “Often the squadron would just go and kill all the men they found there.”

 

One SAS witness described how killing became “an addictive thing to do” and claimed some operatives were “intoxicated by that feeling” while operating in Afghanistan. “There were lots of psychotic murderers,” he stated, adding that “on some operations, the troop would go into guesthouse-type buildings and kill everyone there. They'd go in and shoot everyone sleeping there, on entry. It's not justified, killing people in their sleep.”

 

Eyewitnesses also detailed how wounded individuals were deliberately executed, in clear violation of international law. In one instance, during an SBS operation, a medic was attending to a wounded person when “one of our blokes came up to him. There was a bang. He'd been shot in the head at point-blank range,” a veteran said. “These are not mercy killings. It's murder.”

 

The testimony included claims that junior team members were explicitly told by senior operatives to kill detainees. Phrases like “he's not coming back to base with us” or “you make sure he doesn't come off target” were used as coded instructions. These detainees had surrendered, were unarmed, and often handcuffed—protections afforded to them under British and international law.

 

The BBC also obtained new video evidence and accounts of an SAS operator allegedly executing numerous individuals during a six-month tour. One former colleague described him as “notorious in the squadron, he genuinely seemed like a psychopath.” In one incident, this operator reportedly slit the throat of an injured Afghan man. “He wanted to, you know, blood his knife,” a witness recounted.

 

According to the veterans, the chain of command within UK Special Forces was aware of the killings. “I'm not taking away from personal responsibility, but everyone knew,” said one. “There was implicit approval for what was happening.” To avoid scrutiny, operatives reportedly planted fake weapons—known as “drop weapons”—next to bodies and falsified reports. “The reports were a fiction,” said one former SAS operator. Another added, “We understood how to write up serious incident reviews so they wouldn't trigger a referral to the military police.”

 

Former Afghan officials, including President Hamid Karzai, reportedly raised their concerns repeatedly with British authorities. “He consistently, repeatedly mentioned this issue,” said Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former Afghan national security adviser. Gen Douglas Lute, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, stated, “There was no senior Western diplomat or military leader who would have missed the fact that this was a major irritant for him.”

 

Lord David Cameron, Prime Minister during the period now under scrutiny, was reportedly informed of these issues. A spokesperson for Cameron told the BBC that “to the best of Lord Cameron's recollection” the concerns were about NATO forces in general and not specific to UK Special Forces. The spokesperson also emphasized that “any suggestion that Lord Cameron colluded in covering up allegations of serious criminal wrongdoing is total nonsense.”

 

Bruce Houlder KC, former director of service prosecutions, stated his hope that the inquiry will determine how much Cameron knew. “You need to know how far the rot went up,” he said.

 

While the UK lacks parliamentary oversight for its Special Forces, unlike the U.S. and France, ultimate strategic responsibility rests with the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, and Head of Special Forces. As the public inquiry unfolds, these testimonies may be key to uncovering the full extent of alleged criminality within Britain’s most secretive military units.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-05-13

 

 

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

They handcuffed a young boy and shot him. He was clearly a child, not even close to fighting age.

 

There needs to be a full and unimpeded police investigation now. Those alleged to have perpetrated these acts of murder should be charged accordingly. Those who helped cover up their crimes should be charged appropriately too. 

[KhunLA]

NATO making the world a safer place 

 

Spreading the Love.   Terrorist creating more terrorist with ever murderous act they commit 

[Chomper Higgot]

29 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

NATO making the world a safer place 

 

Spreading the Love.   Terrorist creating more terrorist with ever murderous act they commit 

The allegations by British special services veterans who served in this war is of war crimes and murder committed by British military personnel.

 

This not an accusation against NATO.

 

But you are right, this is definitely conduct that breads the justifiable resentment terrorists organizations can use for recruitment.

[KhunLA]

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The allegations by British special services veterans who served in this war is of war crimes and murder committed by British military personnel.

 

This not an accusation against NATO.

 

But you are right, this is definitely conduct that breads the justifiable resentment terrorists organizations can use for recruitment.

Seems not just Brits, but Aussies & Yanks have been charged and convicted of war crimes also, according to Ms Google.  All while acting as NATO member peace keepers, or invader & occupiers, depending on one's view.

 

Has NATO done anything other than force regime changes & civil wars where ever they invade, occupy, then leave ?   Can't think of one country of late, that is better off, after they, NATO forces left.

 

Million or more would not have died, if NATO didn't 'help spread democracy' to the world.  Just this century alone   Not counting the millions displaced from their homes and or country to escape the civil wars.  

[JonnyF]

I'm sure The Taliban were all sticking to the rules. 

[Quentin Zen]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

SAS operator allegedly executing numerous individuals

 

would like information on both "numerous" and who are these "individuals" (humans)

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I'm sure The Taliban were all sticking to the rules. 

A bit of whataboutary there.

 

But if you are arguing the laws of the UK should be determined by what’s acceptable to the Taliban, the floor is yours.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, Quentin Zen said:

 

would like information on both "numerous" and who are these "individuals" (humans)

There’s a few who’s murders are mentioned in the OP to be going on with.

[JonnyF]

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

A bit of whataboutary there.

 

But if you are arguing the laws of the UK should be determined by what’s acceptable to the Taliban, the floor is yours.

 

 

 

It's a war Chomper. Not the local Liberal pensioners cycling meet.

 

Sounds like hearsay to me, maybe with a whiff of Chinese whispers. But if they have any hard evidence of the allegations being pushed by The BBC, let them prosecute. It should keep the Brit haters happy, but won't be great for armed forces already struggling to recruit. 

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, JonnyF said:

 

It's a war Chomper. Not the local Liberal pensioners cycling meet.

 

Sounds like hearsay to me, maybe with a whiff of Chinese whispers. But if they have any hard evidence of the allegations being pushed by The BBC, let them prosecute. It should keep the Brit haters happy, but won't be great for armed forces already struggling to recruit. 

You need to read the OP Jonny.

 

The accounts are firsthand from veterans of that war, they are not ‘hearsay’.

 

I believe the special forces veterans making these allegations know it was war. 
 

 

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

You need to read the OP Jonny.

 

The accounts are firsthand from veterans of that war, they are not ‘hearsay’.

 

I believe the special forces veterans making these allegations know it was war. 
 

 

 

Hearsay from veterans of the war. 

 

Could be true. Might not be. I look forward to seeing the evidence. Otherwise it's just "he said she said".

 

You seem to be awfully quick to accept these accounts as gospel. Can't imagine why... 😄

[Chomper Higgot]

36 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Hearsay from veterans of the war. 

 

Could be true. Might not be. I look forward to seeing the evidence. Otherwise it's just "he said she said".

 

You seem to be awfully quick to accept these accounts as gospel. Can't imagine why... 😄

Eyewitness testimony is not ‘hearsay’:

 

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Eyewitnesses also detailed how wounded individuals were deliberately executed, in clear violation of international law. In one instance, during an SBS operation, a medic was attending to a wounded person when “one of our blokes came up to him. There was a bang. He'd been shot in the head at point-blank range,” a veteran said. “These are not mercy killings. It's murder.”

 

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

I'm sure The Taliban were all sticking to the rules. 

 

So you are equating UK forces to the Taliban? Certainly they both seem to have been indiscriminate in their murder of innocent civilians. 

[Bkk Brian]

34 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Eyewitness testimony is not ‘hearsay’:

 

 

Its not in court, its hearsay evidence and will remain that way unless the witness goes to court and testifies.

 

"Eyewitness evidence that is not repeated in court by the witness themselves remains hearsay evidence."

 

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, Quentin Zen said:

 

would like information on both "numerous" and who are these "individuals" (humans)

 

How many does there need to be to move from acceptable to unacceptable? The article mentions does mention one 'individual' who was allegedly murdered by British forces: 

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

clearly a child, not even close to fighting age

 

[RuamRudy]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

Hearsay from veterans of the war. 

 

Could be true. Might not be. I look forward to seeing the evidence. Otherwise it's just "he said she said".

 

 

That is why it needs to be fully and openly investigated by the police. 

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

That is why it needs to be fully and openly investigated by the police. 

 

Well they've got plenty of free time, since they won't be investigating the child rape gangs. 

[JonnyF]

48 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Eyewitness testimony is not ‘hearsay’:

 

It is until it's heard in a court of law.

 

Let me know when that's happening. 

[Celsius]

Some of them probably vacationing on a barstool in Pattaya 

 

 

[ChicagoExpat]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Seems not just Brits, but Aussies & Yanks have been charged and convicted of war crimes also, according to Ms Google.  All while acting as NATO member peace keepers, or invader & occupiers, depending on one's view.

 

Has NATO done anything other than force regime changes & civil wars where ever they invade, occupy, then leave ?   Can't think of one country of late, that is better off, after they, NATO forces left.

 

Million or more would not have died, if NATO didn't 'help spread democracy' to the world.  Just this century alone   Not counting the millions displaced from their homes and or country to escape the civil wars.  

Wow, it's crazy, isn't it, that some people do bad things?  Keep using the "bored drinking coffee" emoji -- it's so powerful.    Wow, NATO killed A MILLION people?  That's remarkable.  Bad, bad NATO!

[connda]

The West and their allies and proxies don't commit "War Crimes," that's all "Collateral Damage."
Don't 'cha know! 

[ChicagoExpat]

18 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

So you are equating UK forces to the Taliban? Certainly they both seem to have been indiscriminate in their murder of innocent civilians. 

That's a disgusting statement.

[SLOWHAND225]

More fake news drama.

There are no such things as "war crimes"  the only thing to do in a war is win. Period

The child was clearly not fighting age, what a load of horse manure, you ever been in conflict ? have you seen it, really seen it ? No, no you haven't.
Theres no such thing as "fighting age" with them.

[Yagoda]

Publicly smearing COMBAT veterans is scumbaggery of the highest order. You got something, put them on trial before other COMBAT veterans, who are the only ones entitled to judge.

 

Other than that let history judge from folks who come forward openly.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

38 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

So you are equating UK forces to the Taliban? Certainly they both seem to have been indiscriminate in their murder of innocent civilians. 

A very good point.

 

The’s usually apoplectic outrage over comparing the actions of a national military with those of a terrorist organization.

 

In this case ‘crickets’.

[ChicagoExpat]

32 minutes ago, connda said:

The West and their allies and proxies don't commit "War Crimes," that's all "Collateral Damage."
Don't 'cha know! 

The reality is alleged war crimes seldom get prosecuted by anyone.  That said, if you actually do care about following the rules of war, you're far more likely to see that with the West, as opposed to the Eastern nations you would seem to support.  Edit -- just saw in another thread that you are indeed a Putin supporter.  That was easy.

[Chomper Higgot]

37 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Well they've got plenty of free time, since they won't be investigating the child rape gangs. 

Is there absolutely no topic in which you aren’t triggered to go completely off topic to play politics with child rape gangs?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

35 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Publicly smearing COMBAT veterans is scumbaggery of the highest order. You got something, put them on trial before other COMBAT veterans, who are the only ones entitled to judge.

 

Other than that let history judge from folks who come forward openly.

 

 

The people who have come forward to give testimony are themselves combat veterans.

 

 

[Yagoda]

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The people who have come forward to give testimony are themselves combat veterans.

 

 

Give us their names and sworn allegations.